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group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GBS)

Epidemiology: 1) leading cause of morbidity & mortality in newborns in US 2) 10-30% of pregnant women are colonized 3) colonizes not only the female genital tract but also the GI tract, urethra in both men & women, & upper respiratory tract 4) may cause infection in pregnant women 5) may cause infection in non-pregnant adults 6) elderly, congestive heart failure & bed-ridden state are risk factors Laboratory: - see ARUP consult [6] Management: 1) screening: a) pregnant women 2-4 weeks before labor & delivery (35-37 weeks of gestation) b) IDI Strep B assay or culture 2) treatment: a) 4 hours of antibiotic treatment during labor b) penicillin is drug of choice - aminoglycoside is synergistic if organism is sensitive

Related

IDI group B Streptococcus assay

Specific

Streptococcus agalactiae

General

beta-hemolytic streptococcus

References

  1. Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 1140
  2. Action Report, Medical Board of California, 85:7 (April) 2003
  3. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2002/ANS01172.html
  4. eMedicine: Streptococcus Group B Infections http://www.emedicine.com/Med/topic2185.htm
  5. Van Dyke MK et al Evaluation of universal antenatal screening for group B streptococcus. N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 18; 360:2626. PMID: 19535801
  6. ARUP Consult: Group B Streptococcal Disease The Physician's Guide to Laboratory Test Selection & Interpretation https://www.arupconsult.com/content/streptococcal-disease-group-b